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Lincoln County, N.M., Welcomes Cowboys

Every year, during the second full week in October, Ruidoso Downs, N.M., plays host to a bevy of cowboy poets, musicians, chuckwagon cooks, Western artists and craftsmen for the annual Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium. This year’s event, to be held Oct. 9-11, marks the symposium’s 20th anniversary and to celebrate, the event is continuing its traditions of cook-offs, horsemanship, music and trail rides.

The highlight of each year’s symposium is a celebration of cowboy music and poetry and this year, attendees will be treated to a wide variety of musical styles, from Western Swing and gospel to traditional country.

Foodie clients will enjoy the World’s Richest Chuckwagon Cook-Off, which awards prizes totaling some $12,000. During the cook-off, competitors are judged on the quality of their food as well as the authenticity of their wagons and attire. The symposium also features cooking demonstrations by C.W. “Butch” Welch, a native of Idaho who specializes in back-country cooking techniques and flavors.

Clients who enjoy activities that celebrate the West will be entertained by demonstrations in horsemanship, shooting, roping, blacksmithing and various Western arts and crafts.